Dragon Battle

A little gift

Billy Vunipola is a keen admirer of the Swiss legend who continues to perform at the peak of his powers at the age of 35

“He’s still improving and I think that’s a big thing for us at England – to never be satisfied of where you are and the need to improve. I like to watch a bit of Federer and always remember those games between him and Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon.

“With Federer it’s the way he holds himself and demands respect. People are in awe of him, but he is full of humility too and his attitude is to keep improving even though he is 35-years-old.”

Even though Vunipola senior is 11 years younger than Federer and one of the youngest forwards in the undefeated England pack – he is still the oldest loosehead.

Joe Launchbury celebrates as Billy Vunipola comes off the bench to score yet another try for England against Scotland

For boss Eddie Jones that it is perfect scenario as the Six Nations winners can pack a punch for years to come with the likes of Joe Marler and Ellis Genge also in the Twickenham troop.

Vunipola added: “We all have different strengths, but we all like to get around the pitch.

“Everyone in rugby has to be a complete player now and you can’t just be good at scrummaging – you have to be able to defend strongly and attack as well.

“Obviously we are still judged on the set-piece and you have to get that right – but you also have to offer a lot more to be in this team too. No one is guaranteed that spot and that is how Eddie likes it and training is always like that too.”

The England rugby Six Nations squad reveal their first celebrity crushes